Train Washing Facilities updates?

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JWM

Lead Service Attendant
AU Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2021
Messages
319
Location
Sarasota, Florida
The "Trains" article stated there was to be one in Sanford, but no mention of Lorton. I guess the Auto Train will make a round trip on one wash.
That kind of makes sense since in the winter, there is a fair chance of freezing temperatures in Lorton but essentially zero chance in Sanford. It must be significantly more expensive to build and maintain a washing stand in a place that can freeze versus one in Florida. Also, given the choice or washing the train once every round trip versus washing the train twice every round trip versus the current situation, washing the train never, I think the third option is the clear loser. ;)
 
Makes you wonder if the Silver Meteor and the Floridian will also use the wash facility in Sanford since they go right past it on the way to/from Orlando
Running a train loaded with passengers through a car wash? Sounds like fun, but unlikely. As you said, the Silvers go right past the yard, not through it, so you'd be looking at a reverse move and at least a half hour schedule impact. And there are plans to build at both Hialeah and Sunnyside anyway.
 
Makes you wonder if the Silver Meteor and the Floridian will also use the wash facility in Sanford since they go right past it on the way to/from Orlando
Amtrak historically only washed consists during turns at terminals, so probably not.

Washing the Meteor and Floridian will almost certainly depend on washracks at Miami, Sunnyside (New York) and Chicago. They blow right past the one at Sanford.
 
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